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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Top 10 Dynasties in the World That Ruled the Longest

The world over, many dynasties ruled for hundreds and thousands of years, and most of them laid the foundations for modern forms of government. While most have ceased to exist, there are still a few that still continue their reign.

History is an interesting subject to explore because it gives you a clearer understanding of the past, its effects and repercussions as the case may be and the contributions past dynasties brought forth. There were many significant events, discoveries and births during these periods that contributed to and shaped the histories of these nations. Their reign also made a lasting impact to the rest of the world, ancient and modern.

Bulgaria. The House of Dulo or Dulo Clan reigned from 2137 BC until 753 AD, ruling the early Bulgars for 2,890 years. The Kubrat clan founded the dynasty, which brought about the unification of the Bulgar tribes.

Japan. The Imperial House of Japan has been ruling the country from 660 BCE until today. Known as the Chrysanthemum Throne or Yamato Dynasty, it has continuously reigned for more than 2,669 years. Current monarch is Emperor Akihito.

Vietnam. The Hồng Bàng Dynasty is also known as the Lạc Dynasty. It was the 1st dynasty that ruled Vietnam from 2897 to 258 BC, a total of 2,639 years. Legend had it that its founder was Kinh Dương Vương, whose title was Hùng Vương.

Korea. From 2333 BCE until 108 BCE, Korea was under th Gojoseon Dynasty. The ancient kingdom remained in power for 2,225 years and laid the foundation for the first proper nation in the peninsula. Dangun Wanggeom was its founder, according to legend.

Vietnam. Another dynasty, the Champa Dynasty ruled Vietnam for 1,640 years from 192 BC to 1832 AD. The oldest known written Malay language from the 4th century AD came from this dynasty. It was created 300 years earlier than the Sumatran texts.

Belgium. The Belle Dynasty, also known as Balliol Dynasty of Flanders, Belgium, has been in existence and continue to reign for 1,049 years now (from 960 to the present).

Georgia. For 997 years, from 813 to 1810, the Bagrationi Dynasty was the ruler of Georgia, a dynasty whose ascendancy began in the early Middle Ages and lasted early in the 19th century.

Korean Peninsula. The Silla Dynasty that reigned in the present-day Korean Peninsula started its rule in 57 BCE, a reign that lasted for 992 years, ending in 935 AD. Founded by King Park Hyeokgeose, from whom started the Park family name in Korea, it was one of the country’s Three Kingdoms.

Tonga. Tonga was under Tu’i Dynasty for over 900 years, starting from 900 AD until 1865. The mythical Aho’eitu was supposed to be the founder of this dynasty. His descendants still live in the island.

China. China’s longest dynastic reign came from the Zhou Dynasty, a rule the started in 1046 BC up to 256 BCE, a span of 790 years. Iron was introduced to China during the Zhou’s reign and also the period when bronze ware making in China reached its peak. Top Chinese philosophers Confucius, Laozi (Lao Tzu) and Mencius were all born during the Zhou Dynasty.